Oak trees are majestic trees that can live for hundreds of years. With their massive trunks and spreading branches they make an impressive addition to any landscape. Their large size does mean you need to plan adequate spacing if you want to plant oak trees. Proper oak tree spacing will allow your trees to grow to their full potential and thrive for generations.
Why Oak Tree Spacing Matters
If you plant an oak tree from an acorn, it can get pretty big very quickly. Your little sapling could easily grow to be 15 feet tall in 10 years. After a few decades, most mature trees are 60 feet tall or more.
Because oak trees grow so quickly, you need to leave enough space between them. If oak trees are too close to each other, their roots and branches will fight for food and space. This leads to stunted growth for both trees. Also, the dense shade from overlapping canopies keeps the ground below the trees from getting too wet.
For optimal growth, oak trees should be spaced so their canopies are not touching at maturity. This gives each tree sufficient access to sunlight and soil nutrients to reach its full size potential.
Average Mature Size of Oaks
When determining oak tree spacing, consider the typical mature height and width for the particular species you are planting. Most oak trees grow 50 to 80 feet tall at maturity. Their spread is often as wide or wider than their height.
Here are the typical mature sizes for some common oak species:
- White Oak – 60 to 100 feet tall and wide
- Red Oak – 60 to 90 feet tall, 40 to 80 feet wide
- Pin Oak – 60 to 70 feet tall, 25 to 40 feet wide
- Bur Oak – 70 to 80 feet tall and wide
- Swamp Oak – 40 to 60 feet tall, 40 to 60 feet wide
- Live Oak – 60 to 80 feet tall, 60 to 120 feet wide
Growing conditions like soil, moisture, and climate affect final size. The ultimate height and width will vary.
Recommended Oak Tree Spacing
Most experts recommend spacing oak trees at least 50 feet apart. Even better is 60 to 80 feet between trees to maximize growth.
Specific oak tree spacing guidelines include:
- Within Row Spacing – At least 50 feet between trees in a row
- Between Row Spacing – Minimum 60 feet between rows
- From Structures – 60+ feet from buildings, driveways, etc.
- From Other Trees – 50+ feet from existing large trees
When planning your landscaping, draw a map of where your oak trees will go and measure the space between them to make sure they have enough room.
You can place oaks slightly closer at around 40 feet apart when planting a wooded area or privacy screen. But their canopies will touch at maturity.
Factors That Affect Tree Spacing
The general oak tree spacing guidelines may need adjusting based on several factors:
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Oak species – Some have a narrow upright habit allowing closer spacing. Other oaks have wide, spreading canopies needing more room.
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Soil & conditions – Trees in prime conditions and soil grow larger than those in average or poor environments.
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Pruning – Pruning outer branches can contain spread for closer spacing.
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Irrigation – Supplemental water typically increases tree size compared to rainfall alone.
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Sun exposure – More sun equals larger trees. Partial shade reduces size.
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Climate – Warmer climates with long growing seasons produce bigger trees than cooler climates.
Evaluate these factors for your situation to determine if you should tweak the typical oak tree spacing distances.
Allow Extra Space for Future Growth
It’s tempting to plant small saplings closer together to save space. But remember, those cute little trees grow rapidly. Even after 10 years, crowded trees start competing.
The best practice is allowing enough space at planting time for the oaks’ mature size. The area may look empty at first, but in a few years, you’ll appreciate the ample room for your trees to thrive.
With proper oak tree spacing, your landscape will have healthy, majestic trees for generations. Plan ahead and give your oaks the space they need to grow to their full potential.
Oak Tree Spacing Guidelines
- Space oak trees at least 50 feet apart
- Allow 60-80 feet between trees for maximum growth
- Keep oaks 60+ feet from buildings and structures
- Plant 50+ feet from existing large trees
- Adjust spacing based on species, soil, climate, etc.
- Resist planting saplings too close together
- Plan ahead for future mature size
Proper oak tree spacing provides room to grow for generations of beauty and shade. Follow these guidelines when planning your landscape or tree plantation. With ample space, your oak trees will flourish and add majestic grandeur to your property for hundreds of years.
What Kind of Oaks Grow Best in Western NC?
In The Nature of Oaks, Doug Tallamy lists the best oaks for your area, and categorizes them by regions of the country and their relative sizes. Here are the trees he states would grow best in western North Carolina:
- Northern White Oak
- Southern Red Oak
- Shingle Oak*
- Laurel Oak
- Chestnut Oak
- Water Oak
- Cherry-Bark Oak
- Pin Oak*
- Willow Oak
- Northern Red Oak
- Shumard’s Oak
- Post Oak
- Black Oak
- Bluff Oak*
- Swamp White Oak*
- Scarlet Oak
- Georgia Oak*
- Overcup Oak
- Blackjack Oak
- Swamp Chestnut Oak
- Chinkapin Oak*
- Bear Oak*
- Bluejack Oak
- Sand Post Oak
- Dwarf Chinkapin Oak*
Why Not Just Buy a Tree?
Doug Tallamy advocates for planting acorns or bareroot whips to grow your oaks instead of transplanting established trees. Acorns are free, plentiful, and grow to be healthier trees. Bareroot whips are dormant trees just a few feet tall. They’re cheaper and easier to move than trees in pots, and you can keep them for a few days before planting. While planting either does not provide the instant gratification that a tree from a garden center might, they instead grant you an opportunity to watch something grow and change throughout the seasons as Doug did.
How to plant an Oak tree by Heathwood Nurseries
FAQ
How close together can oak trees be planted?
Planning Where to Plant: On open rangeland, trees should be put down in small groups or clumps, with 40 to 50 planting spots per acre. This comes out to an average of one cluster every 30-40 feet.
How big will an oak tree get in 10 years?
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Edge Of The Woods Native Plant Nursery, LLChttps://edgeofthewoodsnursery.comNine Reasons to Plant an OakSep 7, 2023 — Grows 12′-15′ over a 10 to 12 year period, reaching 80 feet or so. Fall color is brown to rich red.
Where not to plant oak trees?
I have learned the hard way that oak trees should not be planted near homes, and I have also read about this in a gardening book that is 60 years old and on the Internet. For the oak tree’s long branches (and roots) to spread out and grow, they need space that doesn’t hit the house or cause problems with the foundation.
How close do oak trees need to be to pollinate?
If planted too far apart, inefficient pollination can occur. If planted too close, they will not receive adequate sunlight for growth and mast production. For instance, chestnuts and oaks are planted 35-40′ apart and fruit trees such as apples, pears, and persimmons are planted 15-20′ apart.